Almost everybody is aware of the Tour de France in July, but that is only the most famous of many bike competitions throughout the country every year. Another big race is the one day race from Paris to Tours. The route may vary a little from year to year but I think it always goes through Amboise as it did this year in October (note the château in the background). While it may not have the caché of the TdF, it is still indeed exciting to see some of the best cyclists in the world speed by even for only a few seconds. The route is relatively flat so it does favor the cycling sprinters so the mountain climbers (who win the TdF and other major races) generally do not participate.
Quite a pleasant setting to ride through.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is for me. For these guys, I'm not sure they could enjoy it.
DeleteLove the chateau in the background Stuart, you know you're in France when there's a chateau in the background :)) Honestly I take my hat off to those guys, imagine having so much stamina..I wish!
ReplyDeleteThey are indeed amazing athletes. I doubt there was 2 ounces of fat among the entire group.
DeleteAh yes... cyclists. Don't care for them much myself but I do like the blue sky and the view!
ReplyDeleteWell, it certainly was a picture-perfect day. Luckily for me as well as the cyclists.
DeleteWe ran into this bike race with some clients this year as it was on our route. They were thrilled to be able to interact with ordinary race fans in a small village, as they were cyclists too. Paris-Tours is the oldest professional bike race in the world I believe. I remember that this year they were incredibly lucky with the weather, as the day before had been absolutely foul.
ReplyDeleteIt's great when the weather cooperates with one's vision of how things should be. Yeah, the weather that day was perfect... for fans and cyclists alike.
DeletePicture perfect, indeed. Lovely action shot too.
ReplyDeleteThanks. As an avid bike rider, it was a blast to see these guys pass through.
DeleteGreat action shot!
ReplyDeleteI have met a VERY sporty French guy last May. You can see his blog too by clicking on his link on my blog.
Stavanger Daily Photo ( also on fb.)
Thanks ! What's the name of his blog ?
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